British Airways puts A380 first class on the lower deck. There are pros and cons to having first class on the upper and lower deck. On the plus side the lower deck is wider, so it’s a more spacious cabin. On the downside the upper deck has some extra space in the ”nose,” so when…
Continue reading: Review: British Airways A380 First Class London Heathrow to Los Angeles
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Did you have the halibut or the lobster (see caption below the halibut picture)?
Everybody makes mistakes sometimes - breaded halibut shouldn't taste so bad!
Great, great trip report, as always. Why are the Club World lavatories so much bigger than the First Class ones?
@ hkairlinenews -- There's a limited amount of room between doors one and two on the A380 lower deck, so there's not much extra room for a large lavatory. On the upper deck there's a lot of extra space that would be wasted otherwise.
Is Biz Class really 8 across? They've got to be kidding. As I recall EK is 4 wide on the Upper Deck. Yet another reason why BA will not see any J class revenue $ from me any time soon. (They did the same thing with the 787 - where they went 7 wide in J.)
Lucky, do also LHR-SFO flights (I am taking BA 747 F in a few days) have mixed crews?
I wonder how mixed crews are supposed to retire on their much lower salary. Maybe retirement itself is an outdated concept at this point.
@ lucky - Thanks so much! No wonder so many airlines put first class on the upper deck.
You are right that the Brits are not known for their food. In the butternut squash soup photo, what was that on the left? Was it your bread? It doesn't look edible..
Also, since the title of this set of reports is "Air France vs British Airways A380" --- between the two, which one won? I'm guessing AF?
Re J seats 8 abreast, that is on the lower level. Upstairs is 7.
Until you've flown them, you would assume that is narrow. In fact, the way the armrests are staggered due to the ying/yang design, the seats are reasonably wide for J seats.
These remain my second favorite J seats (KE and QF are better), due to the fact that you don't have to put your feet in a small cubbyhole...as you do on EK's (any many other carriers') staggered J.
BA was the first to go all flat in J.
It's strange how on the menu for the crab starter it mentions a chance of crab shell being in there. I think they could have gotten rid of the crab shells or passenger will be a bit frightened.
Ben...did you redeem miles for this flight? this is pretty amazing! I'd love to fly this someday!
Wait, they actually serve chicken tikka masala in BA First, that same stuff they dish out in BA Y? It was bad enough to encounter it on Open Skies (PremPlus). Imagine the industrial sized vats of that pink slop--frightening to see it in F.
Considering how much champagne you had, your pictures came out really well. Those windows look narrow, but they make a nice framing device, especially the shot with the three BA tails.
You seem to be writing more in your TRs lately!
I'm very critical of BA first, primarily because 14 seats doesn't really constitute an F cabin in my book.
Thanks Lucky. Good to know about the seat width, I found new F on a 777 to be unimpressive (hard product). My shoulders felt cramped, I don't want my shoulders to be up against the edge of the shell. (same issue on new 77W in J by American when sitting).
To put a finer point on your review, is it just wider, or sufficiently wider so that you don't rub against the shell.
@Nybanker,
I haven't flown on the BA A380 in J - so I can't comment specifically - I have however flown on the BA 777 and the 787 in J. I personally find the seat ridiculous in J. You are correct - some footwells in J can be challenging(to be fair I'm 5'10" and they work for me) - although I don't put EK (or CX for that matter) in the same category as LX, OS or DL.
That said - for what it's worth - to me - the BA seat is one of the worst flats flying today. After having recently given BA a 'second chance' and checking out the 787 - they are on my avoid list in J.
The issues:
*Having to look at your 'seatmate' during take off and landing
*A narrow seat with little storage space
*A narrower lower torso area
*Climbing over your neighbor (or vice versa)
For NYC-LON I would rank (hard) products as follows:
AA; VS; BA(LCY); DL; UA; BA(LHR)
My feeling is BA want to fit as many people as humanly possible in one space and collect as much revenue as they can doing it. As the FT BA board shows - there are many BA loyalists who will continue to carry the flag for BA. As I suggested earlier - they will not see additional revenue from me until their hard product improves.
180 quid a bottle. Hardly. You can buy it here for ~110. Krug is usually ~150.
@ Mike -- Yep, on the lower deck it is unfortunately eight across, while on the upper deck it's seven across. Very tight!
@ Miro -- Nope, that flight is operated by British Airways' WW (worldwide fleet), which is different than their mixed fleet crews.
@ Joey -- Next to the soup is a focaccia bread, which was surprisingly tasty.
I'll have a comparison of all A380 products I've flown soon, but I'd say on the whole the Air France experience won. Exclusively factoring in the onboard experience it would be a pretty close call.
@ Ozaer N. -- I sure did. You can find a cost breakdown in the introduction post:
https://onemileatatime.com/air-france-vs-british-airways-a380-introduction/
@ Susan -- Hah, thanks. I think I actually take better pictures when a bit buzzed. 😉
@ beachfan -- I felt it was more spacious and like I wasn't squished against the sides like I feel on the 747.
@Sean - guess you shouldn't fly EK, then. Though, that said, I actually did think the EK A380 cabin was embarrassingly big and really took away from the quality of the service/exclusivity. Very Vegas-esque.
@Nybanker - as someone big I know the BA J seat is one of the tightest there is, particularly in the shoulder area. As others have noted, the in seat storage is also fairly limited and awkwardly located.
On A380, for some reason the outer overhead bins on BA are much smaller than on other airlines. Meaning 3 or 4 pax fighting for the use of the inner overhead bins.
Ben, do you think Stewart was trying to be funny or he had to reserve that 180 quid bottle champagne to other passengers?
Maybe you should spice up your next post with a picture that you could send to the Airplane Penis Club. http://airplanepenisclub.tumblr.com/
After flying SQ suites class, if a first class seat does not have a door to it, I'm not interested . . .
Are some of those J seats facing the tail of the plane? (if true) That is so disgusting and uncomfortable. Only airline I can think of is WN. I would have serious stomach issues and nausea, and that is the reason I stopped flying WN in the 90s.
Now the first class seat feels claustrophobic to me. I still have over 160k BA miles left, guess I will be using them on AA until done.
@ Shannon -- He was definitely trying to be funny. They still had champagne left at the end of the flight, for what it's worth.
@ Lucky-- Now that you're familiar with various first class champagnes, which do you recommend for tonight's toast? 😉
Happy new year!
"As far as I’m concerned British Airways should exclusively serve afternoon tea on flights, regardless of the time of day."
I completely agree with this. Love those scones and was disappointed as my last BA flight was an overnight so didn't get to experience them.
I do think that their food is better than LH's which tries too hard IMO. Cabin on 380 looks great but shame those bathrooms are so tiny.
I just booked my first class ticket on777 it's my very first british air flight I am so pissed they decided to change the amenity kit!! Why????? It looks like they cheapened out and got a generic no name brand kit. Ugh this sucks
I was hoping for an awesome first class experience but this report tells me there's not much in terms of luxury or big seats to be had
FML!
I had to scrimp and save for these avios the hard way. So I was hoping for a nice payoff
Regarding BA J (as well as the new LH J), you should not rate it, if you haven't flown it. I am 6.4 and I do not have any problems with the seat, taking the last row, you even have your private exit without stepping over anyone. Having my neighbor slightly in front during takeoff doesn't bother me much, as I will have my most private suite during the rest of the flight with the devider up. And flying "backwards", honestly, I don't see or feel any difference. BA still is my favorite seat over any European J seat including new LH, LX, OS, TR...
This is my 3rd or 4th time rereading this article but I just have to ask. Was Stuart being funny or kinda a jerk about the champagne. Did you get the feeling that he wanted you to slow down or just be playful?
I am a frequent flyer on emirates A380 first and business class. It is good to see that i also made a good choice by not flying BA 380s, the BA first class product (well described above), does not even match emirates business class products!
emirates are around 15% more expensive, but certainly worth the money.
I'm obviously a grumpy bast**d but I think it's a massive disappointment. BA was the first to create an amazing first 20 years ago. Their new product is frankly not up to it. Seats are very small vs best in class (Singapore, emirates and even jet - if you fly to India check it out cheaper than BA business and miles better than BA first). Food is average, Concorde lounge actually is awful once you have got over the fact you got though special door and wines are average. The whole point about first is to impress and make you feel special. Well maybe it does but not if you have flown to Asia in business. Come on BA I know you are run by accountants but please.... 12k return and you give me shitty wine. Charge me another 500 quid and blow me away. That's the point isn't it. Oh and make the seats turn into beds 7ft long and 4 ft wide. You got the space when u strip out upgrades and free loaders.
Glad you enjoyed the service.
Was a pleasure to meet you. Interacting with customers is a high light to the job. Looking forward to welcoming you on a flight again soon.
Very good review. Always great to have pictures and detailed comments, please advise if you have a review of Singapore Airlines (best airline)
@ Mark Huntington -- Thanks! I have indeed reviewed Singapore Airlines first class, and you can find that report here:
https://onemileatatime.com/bali-and-berchtesgaden-singapore-airlines-first-class-houston-to-moscow/
I've also reviewed Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class here:
https://onemileatatime.com/a380-extravaganza-singapore-airlines-suites-class-san-francisco-to-hong-kong/
And if you check out the trip reports index page, you'll see lots more reviews there:
https://onemileatatime.com/trip-report-index/
Greetings: I was frankly shocked by the following two quotes: "
After a few glasses Stuart refilled my glass and said “sir, you do realize this is a delicate champagne.” I responded “I know, or else I wouldn’t be drinking it.” He said “it’s 180 quid a bottle, you know.” I called him out on that, as it’s really “only” about half that, and told him not to pretend that it’s 2002 Dom. He responded “oh, Dom in first class is so cliche.”
amd "I asked Stuart if the halibut was breaded. He responded “sir, of course not, this isn’t the Red Lobster.”
Both of which seemed hideously inappropriate. But it's hard to judge tone in the printed word, and you concluded:
"Stuart was a rockstar and couldn’t have done a better job."
Which along with a couple of notes in the comments indicates that the foregoing excerpts were over-the-top humorous--something at which, I have found on a couple of occasions, BA cabin crew do better than anyone else aloft. So I'll skip having the heart attack just now 😉
Hey,
many thanks for the report as I intent to fly first either with Emirates or BA to LAX. Now connection wise from our starting point BA would be better. BUt let me ask you. No shower or bar onboard the A380? Or did I miss this?
Regards
I think Stuart was being a smart a...s, actually......to mention the price of the champagne is crass and the halibut looked awful....the only food that looked nice was the afternoon tea, but if the reviewer enjoyed it, so be it
You must be the most boring and saddest passenger ever to board an aeroplane, meaning; I sincerely hope I never have the unfortunate luck to be in the same aeroplane never mind the same cabin as you! I am now retired (cabin crew) and still fly long haul frequently, and have never had anything to say about treatment I received from B.A. in fact try LCY-JFK. BA001 and learn something about travel and service at its best. Until then stop squabbling as I doubt any one listens much to you.
I think the BA FIRST product far out classes anything on offer from the pathetic American carriers. As for not expecting much from the Brits regarding food--London is regarded by those in the know as probably the best city in the world to dine.
MY WIFE AND I TRAVEL EVERY SUMMER TO OUR HOME IN SCOTLAND, WE ALWAYS FLY BA FIRST CLASS USING MILES OF COURSE...AFTER ALL WHO REALLY DES PAY THAT FC FARE. ONLY THE HOLLYWOOD ELITE....ANYWAY WE FIND BA FIRST AND THE LOUNGE AT LAX VERY VERY NICE. HOWEVER READING THE COMMENTS I CAN SEE WHAT YOU ARE IN QUESTION ABOUT. WE LEAVE THIS YEAR ON APRIL 7TH ON BA THE A380 AND I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT IT WILL BE , AS ALWAYS, A REMARKABLE FLYING TRIP...ALWAYS GOOD SERVICE AND GOOD FOOD. THE FC LOUNGE AT LAX IS OK BUT I HEAR THIS YEAR IT HAS BEEN RETROFITTED.... I DO HOPE THE A380 FLIGHT WILL BE ONE TO REMEMBER . WE RETURN AGAIN ON BA SEPT 17TH AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW SO ONLY HOPE THE FLIGHT TO SCOTLAND VIA LHR WILL MAKE US LOOK FORWARD TO THE RETURN....SOME COMMENTS MAKE ME WONDER BUT WILL LET YOU KNOW....ILL ASK ABOUT THE ESCORT THROUGH SECURITY AT LAX BUT WONT HOLD MY BREATH WAITING...ALSO ONCE IN LHR THE GO THROUGH SECURITY AGAIN IS A REAL PAIN IN THE YOU KNOW WHAT. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HAVE CHANGED ALSO...FAST TRAK OR NOT...
@ james & helene -- Enjoy your trip! There's an amazing new Qantas first class lounge at LAX which you'll have access to:
https://onemileatatime.com/review-qantas-first-class-lounge-lax/
Enjoy!
Lucky - Do you know how when or how often BA will release 1st class space close to departure? I've been checking randomly over the last few days but never see anything available and wondering if they release them at a certain time and they are booked right away (like when I'm sleeping). My husband and I are flying LHR-LAX in J in August and would love to upgrade to F with Avios. Thanks for any tips you can provide!
@ DP81 -- Unfortunately they're really bad about releasing space on the LAX route. It happens sometimes, but it's rare, and there's no rhyme or reason.
A good report, but a little harsh / offensive with the food remark and British airlines. I have found the most of the food delicious flying FC with BA (from London, the food suffers when coming from elsewhere). Agree with everything else.
My husband and I are booked on the A380-800 in First Class and it looks like there is a panel that raises and lowers for privacy between the two middle seats. Is that the case? He likes a window and I like an aisle seat, so we have taken seats across from one another.
Thanks!
I travel once or twice a year in First A380 & 787s on BA as well as a few Club trips too. Have to say that I fully enjoy their service.
For me the First seats are big enough. I'm 6ft, broad shoulders. How big are you guys who say that it's too small?
There are enough places to store items of clothing and spare bags in all the areas provided by BA.
Food has always been of a good standard. We are flying at 40,000 ft remember.
Customer service is excellent at all times and always made to feel important.
Their Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle which is served on board and in the Concorde Lounge is also one of my favourites. I guess it's about personal opinion, but happen to agree that Dom 2002 is a massive cliche.
Concorde Lounge as a product is great. Unsure why there is a lot of criticism. What more do you want from 1st lounge, other than what this offers?
Most people on here likely upgrade via air mile points through business purchases, and so do not actually spend their own money on the vast air fares that airlines charge. I would be surprised to see so many critical posts if they had to put their own hands in their pockets.